Silt Removal from open-cast chromite mine

In Open-cast mine, the surface runoff water in the mine carries solid particles and deposits them as silt at the bottom of the bench. As a result, the ores get covered by silt which ultimately affects the mining operation. The problem continues throughout the rainy season and subsequent months and is applicable to all Chrome Ore mining industry. 100 TPH (solid particle weight) of slurry removal to a level of around 120 m head is required. Slurry pumps were not suitable due to the presence of boulders of size >3mm. The current shovel dumper combination is capable of handling such silt with an efficiency of only 30 %.

Thus, we are looking for a new or innovative mechanism to improve the efficiency of silt removal, keeping in mind the following aspects:

It should be able to handle particle size from 0-200mm

It should be able to lift the slurry up to a height of around 120m

No additional dewatering facility should be required. Silt must be moved to chrome ore beneficiation plant directly.

Quick deployment of the solution is desired (less than 1 month).

The solution should be arrived with less investment (total cost should be less than 1 Cr).